Fusco to coach Kentucky Wesleyan

Former NAIA head coach moves up to guide DII Panthers

OWENSBORO, Ky. -- Kentucky Wesleyan Director of Athletics David Williams announced the appointment of John Fusco as the Panthers' head men’s soccer coach.

Fusco, 34, takes over at KWC after serving eight years as the head women’s coach at Brescia, where he led the Bearcats to two NAIA Region 12 appearances.

During his tenure at Brescia he produced one All-American, three Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Players of the Year, 20 All-KIAC performers and four Academic All-Americans.

"John Fusco comes to us with all the right coaching credentials and expertise to lead our soccer program to a new level of accomplishments," Williams said. "His background as a powerful collegiate player along with his various coaching experiences in high school, club and college level make him a good fit for KWC."

For the past 12 years Fusco has also served as head coach for the Owensboro United Soccer Club at various levels for boys and girls ranging from ages 7 to 18. Fusco also spent two seasons as United’s director of coaching for 20 competitive teams including 250 players.

“This is a very exciting time in my coaching career as I lead my first men's collegiate team," Fusco said. "We will have a good core of returning student-athletes plus new freshmen to advance our program to new successes.

He holds a National Soccer Coaches Association of American Advanced National Coaching License and a NSCAA Level II Goalkeeping Diploma. The NSCAA certified him as the state’s technical director for one year to teach advanced regional coaching courses.

His coaching career started in 2001 as an assistant coach at Owensboro High School. Following Owensboro, he returned to Brescia for two years as the assistant men’s and women’s soccer coach. He received the 2003 AFLAC Assistant Coach of the Year Award.

The Paducah, Ky., native was a four-year starter at Brescia and earned All-Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference honors twice and selected as team captain.